Royal Grand Palace: Walking around Wat Phra Keaw and The Grand Palace II

The gate to get in the inner court

      Last time, I have given you some information about getting around Wat Phra Keaw already. Now, we will get into the central court of the palace. After we walk through the door of Temple of the Emerald Buddha into the area of Throne Halls, you can see Borom Phiman Mansion, on the left, behind the big gate. This European style building was built in the inner court, the private area where it used to be the royal residence and royal guests house. This is why we can’t get in.

Before we walk in the area of Throne Halls, if you feel thirsty, you can stop by to have a drink at drinking shop on this spot. After that, we will walk to Amarindra Winichai Hall just on the left of the street. It opens for visitors to see the throne. Almost forget, for security, you cannot take pictures or record a video in this hall, but no need to take shoes off.

The Complex of Grand Residence, including Amarindra Winichai Throne Hall

      Then, walk along the street to a remarkable design of the other building, Chakri Maha Prasat Hall. This building is an excellent combination design between European and Thai style. Although the entire building was built in European style, the roof was shown in originally traditional Thai architecture. When you face to the building, the corridor on the left on the first floor is a museum of ancient weapons such as spears, lances, swords and so on. And the other wing is shown an antique guns collections. You can get in without an additionally entrance fee. More interesting than the others is that tourists always take a picture with the guard at the stairway of the building. Let’s try to make him smile.

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall in the central court 0f Royal Grand Palace

      After getting out of the museum, you can get to the last important building, Dusit Maha Prasat Hall, just right next to Chakri Maha Prasat. This hall was actually built since the city was founded, almost 230 years ago. From this area, I also recommend you to look at the pavilion beside the hall. It was so beautiful pavilion that King Rama V ordered to replicate it to the Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya. Additionally, in 1958, it was known throughout the world because of its imitation showing in exhibition in Belgium.

 
Dusit Maha Prasat in the central court 0f Royal Grand Palace

Finally, we get to the end of the tour. After a long walk, take a break with a cup of coffee or cool drink at the coffee corner. It also has restrooms available with 5 Baht paid.

If you still have energy left, stop by at the building nearby to see a museum of the Wat Phra Keaw. On the second floor, there are models of the grand palace, the old-time one compared with the present one.

The Museum of the Wat Phra Keaw (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

I think you now have some information to look around the most fantastic place in Bangkok. However, if you still need more detail about the grand palace, you can still have another choice – the audio tour guide. There is the Personal Audio Guide (PAG) provided for foreigners at the window next to the ticket counter, rent for 200 Baht per 2 hours. It is easy to use and available in various languages, for example, English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and also Thai.

By the way, if you’d like to get a personal tour guide, the palace office also arranges experienced tour guides to get around the temple and the palace. Please check a tour schedule from the officer first if you want to join them because you may have to sign up for.